Important watches from the 1950s

The 1950s was a time of tremendous change, and not just because of the advent of rock and roll and the spread of television. The Allied victory in World War II transformed the United States into a global superpower.

Everywhere you looked, it seemed risk-takers were diving to the depths of the oceans, summiting the world’s tallest mountains, hitting the race track at new speeds, venturing over the poles and taking to the skies with an eye toward space. All these activities required purpose-built tool watches that could accompany them and stand up to any challenge.

The watch industry of the 1950s was more than ready to supply those needs. Here are some examples of those watches.